The first night of the season always feels the same.
The kids are buzzing with excitement. Parents are lined up against the glass. You’re standing on the bench, feeling the familiar mix of pride and pressure that comes with being a coach.
It doesn’t matter if this is your first season or your tenth - you want to get it right.
That’s why we created Minor Hockey Coaching Foundations: a course designed to give you the tools, strategies, and confidence to lead a season that’s organized, positive, and full of growth for every player on your team.
This isn’t about throwing more drills at you. It’s about giving you a blueprint for success - from preseason planning to year-end reflection, guided by five experienced coaches who have been exactly where you are.
Start Minor Hockey Coaching Foundations today!
Plan With Purpose
With Michael Dundas – Manager of Hockey Development, OMHA
The best seasons don’t happen by accident. Michael Dundas walks you through the full-season planning process used by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. You’ll leave with templates, strategies, and a clear roadmap for your practices, tournaments, and development goals - so you can coach with confidence from Day 1 to playoffs.
Evaluate With Clarity
With Candace Kourounis – Assistant Coach, York University & U15AA Hamilton Hawks
Tryouts are tough. Candace Kourounis gives you practical tools for running fair, transparent evaluations and making the hardest calls with integrity. She’ll also help you redefine what success looks like - beyond wins and losses - by tracking player growth and setting meaningful season-long goals.
Lead With Impact
With Matt Kakabeeke – Executive Director, Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association
Great coaching is about more than systems. Matt Kakabeeke shows you how to create a positive team culture, communicate with players and parents, and lead with empathy. These are the habits that ripple through a season, shaping team morale, cohesion, and performance.
Teach the Right Skills at the Right Time
With Dan Arel – Director of Player & Coach Development, San Diego Oilers
Every age group has unique needs. Dan Arel helps you understand what to teach (and when) so your players stay challenged without losing their love for the game. You’ll learn how to adapt drills for different skill levels and build practices that keep kids engaged and improving.
Run Practices Players Love
With Brian Slugocki – Founder, Slugocki Hockey
Finally, Brian Slugocki shares his blueprint for high-energy, game-like practices that keep players moving, learning, and competing. You’ll discover how to balance structure and creativity, manage shared-ice sessions, and make practice the best part of every player’s week.
Coaching Isn’t About Having All the Answers
It’s about being prepared. It’s about being intentional. It’s about showing up every day ready to make a positive impact.
The most successful coaches keep learning. They stay connected to their “why.” And they never lose sight of the experience they’re creating for their players.
That’s what Minor Hockey Coaching Foundations is all about.
Your players are ready. Your season is ready. Now it’s your turn.
